Improving the OT Security posture across multiple sites

As an expert in Operational Technology (OT) security, I often work with asset owners operating across multiple regions. Securing OT environments spread across numerous sites can be a complex challenge. The diversity in regulations, technologies, and operational practices across these locations demands a structured, standardised and comprehensive approach to safeguard these critical assets.

Rolling out OT security measures across inequivalent sites while complying with varying local regulations is a multi-faceted endeavour. However, adopting a unified framework can significantly bolster the security posture and streamline management efforts across the board. And still keeping it to the point for the local operations.

Understanding different sites

The first step toward strengthening OT security across diverse regions is to understand the unique needs and specific situation of each plant. Each site might have variations in its operational requirements, network infrastructure, local regulations, they might have regional vendors and even differences in their security measures. When formulating security policies from the headquarters, it is very important to understand what the situation and priorities are at the local sites. Without this understanding, the decisions made centrally might end up resulting in fragmented security strategies and uneven protection across sites. Recognizing these nuances is key to creating a holistic security strategy.

A collaborative approach and standardised security framework

To effectively address this challenge, a good solution could be to establish a centralised security framework. This framework could offer a more cohesive defense strategy and ultimately contribute to strengthening overall cyber resilience. Once the framework is defined, conducting a pilot implementation on just one site will provide practical insights into how it works in the real world.

This pilot phase encourages collaboration, where the centralised team can work hand in hand with on-site personnel, integrating their insights and experiences. It becomes a shared journey, where knowledge from both ends contributes to refining the security measures to suit local specific needs. To ensure lasting impact, it is crucial to embed these practices into the Business as Usual by adding recurring activities into the facility management system and assigning specific tasks to respective roles.

The success of the pilot phase serves as a basis for a phased rollout across all sites. This approach has many benefits, especially for resource-limited organisation. In addition to making implementation more manageable it also integrates real-world feedback, and facilitates a more seamless transition towards a standardised, robust OT security infrastructure. When we integrate the on-ground experiences of local teams into the decision-making process we bridge the gap between headquarters’ expertise we bridge the gap between headquarters' expertise and the practical knowledge gained from on-site work.

Adapting to Local Regulations

Compliance with local regulations is a must, such as laws derived from the recently approved NIS2 directive, for instance. However, a standardised approach allows for the integration of these requirements into the broader security framework. By identifying commonalities and establishing adaptable security controls, asset owners can navigate diverse regulatory landscapes more efficiently. Initially, this might demand additional resources, but with scalable monitoring solutions and replicable operating models, the marginal cost for additional sites will be reduced.

Moreover, a standardized approach streamlines management efforts. Instead of juggling multiple security procedures across sites, which can lead to inconsistencies and vulnerabilities, a unified framework simplifies operations and enhances the agility of your security infrastructure, allowing for a quicker response to emerging threats.

Securing OT environments across multiple regions requires a meticulous blend of standardisation, adaptability, and compliance. As someone deeply committed to OT security, I advocate for a collaborative and inclusive approach and a strategy that balances global best practices with local unique needs.

To explore these strategies further and witness some hands-on examples, I invite you to join our upcoming webinar. Register here to gain insights into how the industry is preparing to comply with regulations such as the NIS2 directive, built upon the foundation of a centralised framework.